Golf: Eaks leads Champions

The Associated Press

Published Saturday, September 13, 2008

CONOVER, N.C. -- Defending champion R.W. Eaks shot an 11-under 61 on Friday in the Greater Hickory Classic, missing a chance for the first 59 in Champions Tour history when he parred the final three holes.

After making nine birdies and an eagle to reach 11 under after 15 holes, the 56-year-old Eaks had good birdie chances on the final two holes, but missed a 5-foot putt on No. 16, a 13-footer on 17 and a 10-footer on 18.

Bell Micro LPGA Classic

MOBILE, Ala. -- Cristie Kerr moved into position for her second straight LPGA Tour victory, shooting a 6-under 66 in wind gusting to 35 mph to take a two-stroke lead over Angela Stanford in the Bell Micro LPGA Classic.

Kerr, the 2006 U.S. Women's Open champion coming off a playoff victory Aug. 24 in the Safeway Classic in Portland, Ore., had a 9-under 135 total on The Crossing course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Magnolia Grove complex.

Stanford had a 67. Michelle Ellis was 6 under after a 70, and Reilley Rankin followed at 5 under after a 69.

Mercedes-Benz Championship

PULHEIM, Germany (AP) -- Sweden's Robert Karlsson shot a 3-under 69 to take a one-stroke lead after the second round of the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

Karlsson, one of four European Ryder Cup players in the field, had an 8-under 136 total. France's Jean Francois was second after a 71.